Reigning champs Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka look to secure consecutive wins, but heavy hitters like Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek are sure to make for tough competition
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
The Australian Open continues to serve up plenty of surprises as the first Grand Slam of the year approaches the finish line. With the quarter-finals behind us, Ben Shelton and Madison Keys are the last remaining American players, and they have tough matches ahead of them.
At a Glance: How to Stream the Australian Open
- TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN2
- Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream
- Dates: Tournament Jan 11 – Jan 26 (dates adjusted to ET)
Jannik Sinner cruised into the semi-finals, where he’ll face Shelton. Novak Djokovic, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz, will face off against Alexander Zverev in the semis. Keys’ next opponent is Iga Świątek, and Aryna Sabalenka will play Paula Badosa.
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, ranked number one in the ATP and WTA, respectively, are the defending singles champions of the Australian Open, and they remain favorites to clinch a win this year.
How to Watch the Australian Open
ESPN+ will offer comprehensive coverage, including live-streaming of each match. Meanwhile, Tennis Channel will provide highlights, analysis, interviews, and replays. Select games will also be covered on ESPN and ESPN2. American tennis fans looking to catch the matches will need to adjust for the time zone — the East Coast is 16 hours behind Melbourne, and many of the remaining matches take place late at night or very early in the morning.
best value
ESPN+
ESPN+ will carry every match at the Australian Open, including live coverage, making it the best, most affordable option for streaming the tournament. The streaming service is available as a standalone for $11.99/mo, while the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle starts at $16.99/mo. ESPN+ does not offer a free trial.
best for sports fans
Fubo
Fubo is a popular streaming service among sports fans. With plans starting at $79.99/mo, the streaming service is a streamlined alternative to cable and satellite, and it includes ESPN channels. The Sports Lite add-on ($9.99/mo) includes Tennis Channel for comprehensive Australian Open coverage.
best variety
Sling
Sling is known for its mix-and-match service that gets you your favorite channels, without having to pay for filler. Sling Blue with the Sports Pack includes the Tennis Channel. If you want ESPN, ESPN2, and the Tennis Channel in one package, the Sling Orange + Blue ($33/mo for the first month) with Sports Pack add-on ($15/mo) includes each of those channels.
Australian Open Schedule
The women’s singles semifinals between Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa will take place on Thurs., Jan. 23 at 3:30 a.m. ET, while the Iga Świątek vs. Madison Keys match is slated for 4:40 a.m. The men’s semifinals schedule is still TBD. Alexander Zverev will face Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner will face Ben Shelton, with one of the matches slated for Thurs., Jan 23 at 10:30 p.m. and the other at 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 24 (all times Eastern).
The women’s and men’s singles final will take place on Jan 25 and Jan 26, though US fans will need to be early birds (or night owls), as finals coverage begins at 3:30 a.m. ET. If you don’t mind catching a replay, ESPN2 will air the men’s final at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 on Jan 26. An encore of the women’s championship will air at 9:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2 on Jan 25.